Protecting fragile Himalayan ecosystem as important as development: HP

HP Minister Vikramaditya Singh voiced concern over climate change's impact on the Himalayas, advocating for a balance between development and environmental protection. He called for collective action to safeguard the region's fragile ecosystem.

Balancing Development and Environmental Conservation

Expressing deep concern over changing climatic patterns and unscientific development, Himachal Pradesh Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Wednesday said that protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem was as important as pursuing development. Speaking to ANI in Shimla after a press conference, the minister stressed the need to strike a balance between infrastructure growth and environmental conservation.

"Erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, delayed snowfall, prolonged dry spells and frequent landslides during the monsoon are clear indicators of climate change. Global warming is no longer a distant threat; its impact is visible in Himachal Pradesh and across the Himalayan region," Singh said. He said excessive construction, indiscriminate tree cutting, and unscientific development were posing a serious risk to the ecology of the Himalayas.

"Development has no meaning if we fail to safeguard our environment and the planet. All stakeholders, whether the Centre, states or political parties, must rise above partisan politics and take collective, firm decisions keeping future generations in mind," the minister added.

A National Concern

Singh emphasised that policy formulation must incorporate the views of environmentalists and climate change experts. "This is not just a state-level issue but a national concern. The Himalayan range, from Himachal to the Northeast, is one of the most sensitive mountain ecosystems. What is happening here today will have long-term consequences," he said.

Funds for Road Connectivity

Thanking the Centre for approving funds under the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the minister said Himachal Pradesh had received Rs 2,447 crore, which, along with higher specification costs, amounts to a total package of nearly Rs 3,124 crore.

"Around 1,500 kilometres of roads have been approved, largely benefiting remote and tribal regions such as Pangi-Bharmaur in Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chaupal in Shimla district and interior areas of Kullu," Vikramaditya said. Calling Himachal a tourism-oriented state, Singh said improving road connectivity in rural and remote areas was critical for economic growth.

"Our focus is not limited to cities. Ensuring accessibility in far-flung villages is equally important," he said, adding that he had personally taken up the matter with Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to expedite approvals.

Urges Release of Disaster Relief Funds

The minister also urged the Centre to immediately release funds promised under the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) 2025 and the additional Rs 1,500 crore announced by the Prime Minister for disaster-hit Himachal Pradesh. "Timely release of these funds is crucial for effective relief and rehabilitation work," he said.

Preparedness for Snowfall

On the weather forecast of possible snowfall on January 23, Singh said the department is fully prepared. "All standard protocols are in place. Machinery and manpower are ready, but meaningful action will follow once snowfall actually occurs," he added. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)